Don’t forget importance of down-ballot races

Posted November 01, 2024 4:00 am

As we enter the final weeks of this general election campaign, pro-choice voters need to make sure to pay attention to the races all the way down the ballot.

For example, here in the 97th House District, we have an important and hotly contested race for state representative between pro-choice incumbent Harry Benton and anti-abortion challenger, Gabby Shanahan.

Shanahan, a Republican, has been on the record opposing protections for reproductive rights and abortion access. Harry Benton, on the other hand, is endorsed by Personal PAC and is 100% pro-choice.

Likewise, in our area, there is a close race for the Third Appellate Judicial District. On the one hand, there is U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas’s protégé, Kenton Skarin. Notoriously anti-choice, Thomas even flew out to attend Skarin’s swearing-in.

There are three strong pro-choice candidates running for seats on the bench — Judge John Anderson, Justice Linda Davenport and Justice Lance Peterson.

Down-ballot races are often decided by just a handful of votes. This race may well be one of them. Make sure you don’t just check the box for president. Fill out your ballot all the way down to the end to make sure you are supporting 100% pro-choice candidates across the board.

Bernadette Chopra

Naperville

Too much opinion in political ‘reporting’

The first thing I do when reading an article about politics or anything controversial is to consider the source. In the case of the “Closing Arguments” article covering recent events hosted by the Harris and Trump campaigns in DC and NY, respectively, as soon as I saw the authors from the AP — Zeke Miller, Fatima Hussein and Jill Colvin — I knew what to expect.

The ensuing liberal slant in the article was entirely predictable. The most blatant example involved the statement “But more than simply reminding voters of the danger that Trump poses to U.S. democracy …” when reporting on Harris’ remarks. I would argue the biggest threat to democracy is the lockstep nature of the mainstream media’s reporting using the same campaign rhetoric employed by the Democrats.

This was not a news article. It was and opinion piece that belongs on the Opinion pages.

Dean Kelley

St. Charles

What’s at stake in presidential election

The Wall Street Journal editorial page is convinced that if Kamala Harris is elected, she will target the Supreme Court for destruction by “packing” it with political appointees. The opinion makes sense because the court is the strongest barrier to a progressive takeover of the country.

That’s the most dangerous political situation this country has faced since the South seceded in 1860. The progressive left is totalitarian, and Ms. Harris is their spearpoint. The far-left agenda includes the following:

— Amnesty for undocumented migrants.

— Reparations for slavery.

— Allowing the government to undermine parental authority in abortion and gender matters involving their children.

— Severe restrictions on firearms.

— Onerous taxation on the affluent and corporations. “Fair share.”

— A government-regulated economy that mandates “green” strategies that all companies would have to obey.

— A “reimagining” of criminal punishment. Prison sentences would be reduced dramatically.

— Imposed equity where the federal government would provide entitlements to selected groups.

— Strict limits on speech. New federal laws would punish expression against so-called “marginalized” people. Scandinavian countries have that.

— A weaponized Justice Department and IRS. Those agencies could initiate actions designed to punish political opponents. Few citizens could afford the court costs.

There is no question that progressives support all of the above. Dangerous doesn’t even come close.

That’s what’s at stake on Nov. 5. Do you think most voters realize it? Or are they so brainwashed by mainstream media and CNN?

Alexis Maks

Des Plaines

Voters need more than leap of faith

I have received multiple four-color postcards from the Lake County Forest Preserve District, and I notice there are also ads in the e-edition of the Daily Herald encouraging voters to agree to a bond offering for various future projects and acquisitions. Additionally, there is quite a bit of discussion on social media about reasons to vote yes or no on this issue.

I don’t understand how a public entity can request such a large amount of money and there be so little coverage in the media. Taxpayers need to trust any entity that asks to take on $155 million debt. How does this ask square with the LCFPD desire to sell 52 acres of savannah including 22 acres of wetlands to the Waukegan airport to build a runway that would be longer than any runway at Midway. A benefit of the longer runway is that it will allow larger and louder private and corporate jets to fuel up in Waukegan in order to fly directly to Asia without stopping to refuel.

That land was bought not only with taxpayer money, but also with the promise that it be set aside perpetually for recreation and preservation of the earth for humans, animals and the environment. How is it possible that LCFPD participate in a project that defies that purpose?

Furthermore, LCFPD is not trading this land. It is selling it to an entity that is composed of very few Lake County residents. This broken promise will foist more dirty air and greater noise for the many thousands who live in proximity to the airfield due to the runway patterns that will surely be created.

Where is the news coverage and transparency of LCFPD informing voters about the environmental downgrade in their backyards? Does it make sense to sell off forest preserve land to benefit a few highflyers when thousands of residents will be left to pay the bill for decades? How can taxpayers take a leap of faith for a $155 million bond offering when LCFPD is contemplating selling off land to benefit the few at the expense of so many?

Rita O’Connor

Lake Zurich

A cautionary tale

Rewind to 1924 and another presidential election year.

A narcissistic, misogynistic, braggart leads a movement to purge America of “foreigners” and other “undesirables.” His goal is to ultimately capture the presidency and impose his vision of America on an unsuspecting public. Followers march through the streets of small towns and large cities, often assaulting law-abiding citizens. At large rallies, he exhorts his audiences to follow his leadership, sometimes criticizing the Constitution and courts.

At one rally, he sweeps down from the sky in an airplane. Morally bankrupt politicians, fearing the leader’s power, journey to his lavish mansion to seek his blessing and bask in his presence. Protestant preachers spew sermons of hate from the pulpit. A craven press, afraid of the wrath of his followers, write glowing stories — and bury anything damaging — about the great leader. Using his wealth and influence, he dodges serious criminal charges, even including rape. Women and even young children join his movement.

The leader? David Stephenson, Grand Dragon of the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan of Indiana. Playing to people’s fears, he created the largest state Klan organization in the country. Those who knew his weaknesses for fame, whiskey and women excused his character “flaws.” After all, “the end justifies the means,” doesn’t it?

Trying to answer the question as to why an otherwise intelligent people would follow such a flawed individual, Timothy Egan, author of “A Fever in the Heartland,” writes that “They believed because they wanted to believe.”

And Stephenson? No, he didn’t win the presidency — nor did any of his followers; in fact, the following year (1925) he was personally destroyed, a victim of his own excesses. The unlikely hero of this cautionary tale was a woman by the name of Madge Obenholtzer. Read Egan’s riveting account to learn how Madge, another of Stephenson’s many victims, posthumously brought down the most powerful man in Indiana and his movement.

Robert W. Frenz

Crystal Lak

Stop endorsements

The summary of Daily Herald “Our View” election endorsements, published Sunday, Oct. 20, totaled 63 recommendations for positions from their circulation area(s). Of those 63 recommendations 44 were Democrats, only 19 were Republicans.

By endorsing candidates, especially endorsing nearly 70% Democrats, the Daily Herald’s Editorial Board surely diminished your organization’s appearance of neutrality and impartiality. It’s a disservice to the reader as well as to those reporters/journalists who are trying to do their jobs the right way.

The public has lost enough trust in the media already. Seek to report the news without bias. For impartiality to be believed, it must be seen. Endorsements show people the opposite. It’s obvious the Daily Herald degraded yourselves by openly aligning with one political party while masquerading as a vanguard of objectivity.

Dan Prezell

Mundelein

CUSD 200 in the Wheaton and Warrenville area would like voters to pass a referendum to spend $151 million to update and renovate three middle schools in the district. That’s $51 million per school. That translates in cost to the equivalent of building more than 50 new $1 million homes per school. That cost equivalence is mind boggling. I am reminded of the extravagant overbuilding of Hubble Middle School in earlier years.

District communications about the plan tout savings to be realized in paying down debt with this referendum, but that is different from the cost for the three remodels. A hundred fify-one $1 million dollar homes equivalence for remodeling three schools. Remove some of the extravagance that leads to such a high cost and I might consider voting yes. For now, however, I will vote no for the plan as it currently stands.

Ken List

Wheaton

Ken List

Wheaton

As a gay woman, I am excited to see Maria Peterson running for office, offering District 52 a meaningful alternative to the troubling stance on LGBTQ+ issues held by our current state representative.

Maria embodies the values of compassion and equity, believing that every individual deserves to feel safe, respected and valued in our community. Maria is committed to creating an inclusive environment where LGBTQ+ rights are recognized as fundamental human rights. It’s time to stop discriminating against people for who they love.

Since launching her campaign, Maria has knocked on over 10,000 doors, engaging with constituents and listening to their concerns. This grassroots effort has given her valuable insights into the district’s strong support for LGBTQ+ rights and reinforced her commitment to fostering an environment that reflects those values.

Maria champions policies that prioritize inclusivity and ensure that all community voices are heard. The district’s current representative, Martin McLaughlin, has repeatedly opposed critical measures for LGBTQ+ individuals, revealing an ideology out of step with his constituents. His opposition to establishing the Illinois Commission on LGBTQ Aging shows a lack of understanding of the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ seniors.

McLaughlin also voted against a bill allowing businesses to decide whether to offer all-gender bathrooms, a decision that imposes no cost on the state and places no mandate on businesses. In doing so, he undermines inclusivity and contradicts his claims of being a champion of business owners.

As we approach the upcoming election, it is crucial for residents of District 52 to choose a representative who truly reflects the will of the people. I encourage my fellow residents to support Maria Peterson’s campaign. Together, let’s ensure that District 52 is represented by a leader who prioritizes the rights and well-being of all individuals. It’s time for a forward-thinking change.

Diane Scholten

Barrington

‘The glory days’?

As I’ve read the many letters advocating voting for the former guy, they generally boil down to a bunch of Fox News talking points or lamentations on how great things were during his term in office. I consider writing replies but then decide 300 words just isn’t enough to properly refute the nonsense. So, as we approach Election Day, here’s my recollections of the glory days of the former guy’s presidency.

Even with the giveaway to the rich and business tax scam, economic growth was essentially a continuation of the Obama years. In our broken immigration system, we had family separation and no legislation to fix things. Gas was cheap, especially after the pandemic but of course presidents don’t control it, Saudi Arabia does and we pump more oil today than during the previous administration. Yes, we had a bout of inflation, but the former guy added trillions to our debt as well and pandemic supply chain issues contributed heavily.

I can go on, but once again I just don’t see how great it was compared to now and folks seem to think the term ended in March of 2020 instead of January of 2021. What I do remember are the numerous total failures of presidential leadership exhibited by the former guy. From his pathetic handling of the pandemic outside of Operation Warp Speed, to trying to blackmail a foreign leader for political gain, to fomenting an attack on our Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, they should easily disqualify him.

Now we have a 78-year-old man who is struggling to finish a sentence and runs endless bogus publicity stunts while lying nearly every time he opens his mouth. That’s why with clear memory I would never vote for him and have gladly made my choice for Vice President Harris.

Roger Edwards

Glen Ellyn

Protect our future

Trump offered to do anything the big oil and gas companies wanted, including reversing dozens of existing environmental protections in exchange for a billion-dollar bribe. Once again, Trump and Vance are showing they only care about protecting and further enriching their corporate benefactors at the expense of the health and economic well-being of American citizens. This election, we’re once again called upon to support a future that will benefit our families for future generations. Harris and Walz are the clear choices to protect that future.

Patricia Podboy

Carpentersville

Focused on results

As elected officials, it is essential that we can work with a representative at the state level to help us bring back resources and stand up for the people in our community. As Republicans, we also understand that much is at stake for our country, state and community this election. That is why we are putting partisanship aside and supporting Mary Beth Canty for state representative of the 54th House District.

Mary Beth is focused on solving problems and getting results. In her first term, Mary Beth championed a new child tax credit to help families struggling with rising costs and raising young children. She voted to reduce property taxes for seniors and veterans living on fixed incomes and has brought back record funding for our local government and school districts to give us the tools we need to provide property tax relief.

Mary Beth also knows that it is essential to keep our communities safe. That is why she is endorsed by the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police and the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois. Mary Beth supports our first responders and will keep our communities safe.

Mary Beth is also a friend to small business and passed new funding to expand vocational education and create new pathways to high-paying jobs. Mary Beth is also the only candidate in this race with an endorsement from the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. She has shown she will support job creation in our community and ensure small businesses have the tools they need to succeed.

Mary Beth understands the importance of working across the aisle to get things done in Springfield. Mary Beth doesn’t serve a political agenda and rather focuses on getting results for her constituents. We urge you to vote for Mary Beth Canty for state representative on Nov. 5.

Arlen S. Gould, School Board Member, Arlington Heights; William McLeod, Hoffman Estates Village President; Rodney Craig, Hanover Park Village President.

Supports education

As a retired educator, I am writing to emphasize the crucial importance of early childhood education and the need to back candidates who prioritize continued support for the public education system in our community.

Research consistently shows that the early years of a child’s life are critical to their long-term development. It lays the foundation for future academic success, emotional well-being and social competence. Studies also confirm that maintaining support for a strong public school system is an investment that pays many dividends. Aside from preparing our children for a productive future, other benefits include a stable community and growing home values.

In Springfield, my state representative, Nabeela Syed in House District 51, has demonstrated that she knows the value of early education by supporting the Smart Start Illinois program. Additionally, Rep. Syed has consistently voted to supply funding to keep our public schools strong.

Conversely, her opponent has been endorsed by the Illinois Family Institute and others who support siphoning off funds from public schools and shifting them to questionable private institutions.

The choice is clear. I’ll be supporting state Rep. Nabeela Syed for reelection. I hope others will join me.

Donna Epton

Hoffman Estates

Invest in future

Mount Prospect must invest in its long-term future and the $85 million referendum by School District 57 represents that investment.

In the last five years, the village of Mount Prospect has spent taxpayer money to revitalize the downtown area. While some growth was certainly needed, the results of this have been at least four new alcohol-focused establishments (in addition to the two that we already had). This includes a new wine bar, a tequila bar, a brewery and a reopened tavern. This raises the total number of establishments of this type in our downtown area to six. I struggle to think of another suburb without a college that is expending so much of its resources to be a college town.

Mount Prospect has always been and will always be a village of families. During the annual July 4 parade, the streets of the beautiful downtown area are lined with children who are celebrating our history and demonstrating civic pride. That is something that is in short supply these days. That sense of childhood joy is only possible because the adults in the community make sound decisions that focus on the well-being of those children.

We have a duty to the children who live here now and to the children who will come after to ensure that focus remains. This referendum by School District 57 is the manifestation of that duty.

Since the village has decided to spend our community resources on college students that we do not have, the community must step up to support the middle school students that we do have.

Michael D. Kill

Mount Prospect

Experience failed

I was very disappointed in the Daily Herald’s explanation of its endorsement of Amy Grant for Illinois House District 47 in stating: “While we think both candidates would represent the 47th District well, Grant’s experience tips the scales.”

What experience? Grant now has served three terms for a total of six years in the Illinois Statehouse. In that time, she has introduced only two bills for consideration. She claims she cannot do much because her political party does not have control.

Her experience has not included attempts to build consensus across the aisle. Her experience in the statehouse includes consistently voting no. No to background checks on gun sales and keeping guns out of the hands of violent domestic abusers. No to women’s reproductive rights, including protections for fertility treatment. Grant said No to attending a League of Women Voters recent candidate’s night. She refuses to meet with constituents who disagree with her on the issues.

It’s time to give someone else a chance. Jackie Williamson, whom the Daily Herald stated would represent the 47th District well, is that someone. A lifelong resident of Illinois, Jackie will bring her professional experience in human resources to listen, learn and look for real workable solutions to issues facing her individual constituents and all Illinoisans.

Jackie’s experience is walking every precinct in the 47th District to learn what matters to her fellow citizens. Jackie will advocate for us in supporting common sense gun safety, protecting women’s reproductive rights and finding ways to ensure affordable quality healthcare for all. Experience is gained by doing. Vote for Jackie Williamson for Illinois House District 47 and experience what a dedicated state representative can do for us.

Suzanne Cahalan

Wheaton

Overriding issue

I’m a “one-issue voter.” Here’s why:

Americans are facing another complicated election season plagued by pressing issues such as inflation and the housing crisis. For me, one issue stands out among the others: climate change. When I tell people this, I’m often met with the “so you don’t care about the economy?” question. I care about the economy a whole lot — I’m 31, pregnant and would love nothing more than a place of my own.

Housing crisis? Won’t be made any easier with the increasing demand to rebuild homes following natural disasters and the depletion of natural resources quicker than the Earth can replenish (i.e., Earth Overshoot Day).

Food costs? Climate change is affecting when, where and how we can grow our food.

Economy? The trickle down effects of climate change ranging from its healthcare costs to disaster relief efforts are not doing any favors for our economy.

So, I guess you could say I’m a “one-issue-voter,” if that’s how you want to look at it. I think I’ll stay that way. For the economy, for the planet, for my daughter.

Lidia Obniski

Wheeling

What candidate’s support permits

“Rep. Syed is … committed to protecting our reproductive health care rights and safeguarding our ability to decide about our own bodies,” wrote Lynn Stanczuk in her letter to the editor of Oct. 28. Ms. Stanczuk is simply parroting the line heard or seen so often. But the issue is really not about what may be done to her body, but what is being done to her helpless, innocent child within her body.

That helpless, innocent human child, recognized as such by the doctors of the AMA, is really the one who is being attacked against its will. Real-time video shows just how aware the child is of what’s going on and how desperately it is trying to evade the abortionist’s tool of destruction. So who is really being deprived of the ability to choose its own fate and decide about what happens to his or her own body? The mother who is requesting and approving the execution, or the infant in her womb who thought it was in the safest place in the world?

Daniel Minarik

Buffalo Grove